Retired soldiers protest as MPs discuss 2026 budget in heated session

Retired soldiers gathered Tuesday at Beirut's Riad al-Solh Square in downtown Beirut to protest their salaries that have become too low to cover basic expenses, as parliament convened to discuss the 2026 budget.

The retirees also demanded better healthcare services and education for their children. They blocked the entrance to parliament, sparring with some MPs who tried to enter in their cars.

Despite the protests, lawmakers managed to attend the session, in which politics were debated more than the budget. Many MPs talked about the parliamentary elections, and Hezbollah's disarmament, with a Change MP mentioning Iran's protests and Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem, which angered Hezbollah MPs and resulted in a long debate.

Public sector employees and teachers who had gathered at Bechara al-Khoury later joined the downtown protests, also demanding better pay.

The parliament will discuss the budget over three days, starting Tuesday.